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GREG MBAJIORGU, exponent of solo and ecological
theatre, is the First African to publish a monodrama and a seminal drama on
climate change. His eco-drama Wake Up Everyone
won the first prize for arts and humanities Research at the2012 National
Universities Research and Development Fair (NURESDEF) organized by the National
Universities Commission (NUC). From 1991 to 2000 during his self-sponsored
historic national tour with his one-man show (The Prime Minister’s Son),
Mbajiorgu recorded over six hundred successful performances in universities, secondary schools, Army
Barracks, Cultural centers and several other Educational institutions across
Nigeria and beyond. As a Theatre Artist and professional interested in
innovation and challenging assignments, Mbajiorgu has executed the following
professional Theatre contracts/duties in the last two decades.
1. The
Lion on Exit (1992), a send-off play commissioned by the Governing
Council of the University of Nigeria as part of the activities marking the last
days of Prof. Chimere Ikoku as vice Chancellor
2. The
lion of Lions (1996) a solo documentary drama with background chorus-
Based on the poems and the speeches of RT. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, First
President of Nigeria and founder of the University of Nigeria.
3. Wota
na Wota- a water conflict resolution drama (2003) commissioned by
OEP/JDP Water programme, Enugu, with funding from MISEREO, Germany. Premiered
in 2008 at the New Arts Theatre UNN during the National Universities Game (NUGA).
4. Trial
of the Fitest (2007) written for the end of year retreat of the African
Institute for Applied Economics (AIAE). Performed at the Bridge Water Hotel,
Enugu.
5. Keep
The Dream Alive (2008) written for AIAE 2008 retreat and Performed at
the Bridge Water Hotel, Enugu.
6. Beyond
The Golden Prize (Miniaturized Version) written for the 10th
Anniversary of Seat of Wisdom Secondary School, Enugu.
7. Wake
Up Everyone (brief version) 2009, commissioned by ATPS, Nairobi, Kenya,
for their International Conference on Climate Change,which held at Nicon Luxury
Hotel Abuja.
8. Toward
a New Dawn (2010) Commissioned by Presidential Task Force on Power and
Performed at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso Rock Villa Abuja for the 2010
Power Stake Holders Forum.
9. United
against Climate Change (2011) Commissioned by the University of
Nigeria’s African Climate Change Adaptation Initiative (ACCAI, UNN), Performed
at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, UNN (2011).
10. Mbajiorgu
was also appointed the Official Dramatis for the Innovation prize for Africa
(IPA) by the African Innovation Foundation, Switzerland during which he wrote
and produced Dancers from Africa with Benedict Bine Bai. The Pro-Innovation
drama was performed during the Award Ceremony at Ibeto Hotels Abuja in May,
2014.
11.
Appointed member of the Educational Advisory Council of UNNESCO Club for Global
Education by the Board of Directors for UNNESCO Club for Global Education.
12. Wake
Up Every one (2014 Edition) was staged on the 23rd January
2014 as special command performance for the 44th Convocation
Ceremony of University of Nigeria Nsukka and as reception drama for the visitor and the
Minister for Education Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
13.
Appointed Adjudicator 23rd and 24th Edition of National
Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
Greg
Mbajiorgu who hails Ihiala in Anambra State, is a Senior Lecturer in the
Department of Theatre and Film Studies UNN, He is the editor of four scholarly Books
including a recent one on J.P Clark, co-edited with Sonny Ododo. (Song of Gold: fresh perspectives on Clark).
Mbajiorgu
is married to Imelda Chineze Mbajiorgu (Nee Anakudo) and they are blessed with
three children.
MAJOR AWARDS
1.2005
most innovative creative artist award Department of English and Literally
Studies, UNN.
2.2012
First position Individual Award in Arts and Humanities (Research) Awarded by
the National Universities Commission (NUC).
3. 2013
Anambra Literary Stars Award Awarded By Nigerian Book Foundation.
4.2013
Archivers Award. Awarded By the Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists.
5. 2009
Golden Pen Award. Awarded by Association of Nigerian Authors, Imo State Chapter.
6. Award
of Excellence in Arts, and Distinction in Solo performance Art by The Nigerian
Turkish Nile University, Abuja.
CONFERENCE IN HONOR OF GREG MBAJIORGU
The
Nigerian Turkish Nile University, Abuja in 2014 during Mbajiorgu’s sabbatical
leave at the University, hosted a conference in honour of Mbajiorgu,
celebrating 48 years of Solo performing Arts in Nigeria
Published
Plays by Greg Mbajiorgu
1. Hands of Fate Snaap press Ltd Enugu 2000
2.
wota na wota Snaap press Ltd Enugu 20033. The Prime Minister’s Son (monodrama)
second edition Kraft Books Ltd 2011
4.
Beyond the Golden Prize (school drama) Kraft Books Ltd 2013
5.
Wake up Everyone (latest edition) Palace press Ltd Abuja 2014
Unpublished
Books
1.
Towards a New Dawn
2.
Who Bears the Blame?
3.
Keep the Dream Alive
4.
Trial of the Fittest
5.
Dancers from Africa
6.The
Blind Man and the Whirl wind
COMMAND PERFORMANCE OF GREG
MBAJIORGU’S WAKE UP EVERYONE FOR THE
RECEPTION OF THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION DURING THE 44TH CONVOCATION
CEREMONY OF THE UNICVERSITY OF NIGERIA NSUKKA ON 23RD JANUARY 2015.
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